Last week’s narrow 1-0 victory over Valenciennes left Saint-Etienne just three points off leaders Olympique Lyonnais, as lesVerts extended their unbeaten run to nine games in the league.

Saint-Etienne have the joint best defensive record in France and in Stephane Ruffier they have one of Ligue 1’s finest goalkeepers. Young French defender Kurt Zouma has already been scouted on a regular basis, whilst Francois Clerc and Jonathan Brison get forward well from wide positions.

Patrick Aubameyang has fired in eight goals for Friday's visitors, who boast a record of notching in every Ligue 1 away game this season.

Hosts Ajaccio could only manage a point against bottom side Nancy last weekend and Alex Dupont’s side are far from free of danger.

L’ours have scored just three goals at home all season and the shot-shy Corsicans will need to improve that tally if they are to avoid relegation.

Ajaccio have won just once in their last seven games in the league and high-flying Saint Etienne have every chance of continuing their strong record in Friday night matches this season.

Successive defeats against Wigan and Aston Villa have increased concern around the Madejski Stadium, with Reading now four points adrift from safety.

The hosts have won just once all season, but only Tottenham have managed to take maximum points off the Royals at home in the campaign so far.

Visitors Manchester United were unconvincing in the week, but a clean sheet and a return from injury for defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will be a boost to the Red Devils, who are facing a vital period in their season according to coach Sir Alex Ferguson.

United have won seven of their last eight matches in the Premier League and the league leaders also have the luxury of being able to rotate their squad next week having already qualified for the Champions League.

Reading have kept just one clean sheet all season and the visit of Manchester United will be a massive test for McDermott’s men on Saturday.

Fiorentina lost ground in Serie A last weekend after stuttering to a 2-2 draw at Torino, but the Viola still remain in firm contention at the top of the table, currently sitting in third place.

Argentine defender Gonzalo Rodriguez has marshalled the backline well, but it is former Manchester City defender Stefan Savic who has surprised many in Florence.

Only Juventus and Napoli can boast a stronger defensive record in Serie A than Fiorentina, who have conceded just three goals at the Stadio Artemio Franchi this season.

Fiorentina have won six of their last seven home matches in Serie A, with striker Stevan Jovetic scoring most of his goals in Florence.

Visitors Sampdoria have been uninspiring since their opening day win at San Siro, but they have picked up valuable wins over relegation rivals Genoa and Bologna in recent weeks.

Sampdoria’s form away from home has been poor and Ciro Ferrara’s side have lost their last four away games on the road.

Viola boss Vincenzo Montella had a successful playing career at Sampdoria, but he will be keen to secure all three points against his former employers on Sunday and they complete this weekend's treble.